The Delfonics

One of the early soul bands who created the unmistakeable Philly sound, the Delfonics had a profound influence on succeeding generations and their songs have subsequently been covered by various artists, featured in movies and sampled by everyone from The Fugees (Ready Or Not) to Missy Elliott and Bozy II Men to keep their name prominent. They originally got together at Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, recording their first record He Don't Really Love You in 1967 before being discovered by producer Thom Bell. Their biggest hit, La-La (Means I Love You), was on their first album in 1968 and, with Bell and lead singer William Hart writing most of the material, they had a string of hit singles and albums over the next few years. Bell moved on to work with other groups such as the Stylistics and the Detroit Spinners who adapted their smooth style to good effect butwithout his input the Delfonics fortunes declined and they split in 1975. Splinter groups kept the music alive with one group called the Delphonics and Wilbert Hart leading The New Delfonics.